He wanted a bagel, but I heard him say “Good morning, Marcia. Could I have, uh, everything?” Then a man comes in and says, “I want an everything. With cream cheese.” Before I lived in New York, I didn’t know it was all right to ask for what you want.
Nellie Bridge
Nellie Bridge
Nellie Bridge teaches high school in Washington State. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Pleiades, Boog City, Kahini, New York Arts Magazine, and New Delta Review. Her poems were named a distinguished entry for the 2014 Campbell Corner Poetry Prize.
Nellie Bridge: It’s Like Riding on a Train
The one certain thing is the destination, the human voice that sounds automated pronouncing the name of the end of the line in the local accent. You’re on the right train. The smell of the plastic seats, the same for generations. No need to be in a hurry. No need to engage the people nearby. […]
Nellie Bridge: Dirty Underwear
When I was young, I heard or read that you shouldn’t wear dirty underwear, in case you get in an accident so you won’t be embarrassed when they undress you. I didn’t get it — the focus on underwear in an emergency. And I’d be embarrassed in any case. And just how clean should they […]